Plans for an agritourism expansion at Akasha Farm in ts'ukw'um (Wilson Creek) got one step closer Wednesday night, Sechelt council approved a zoning amendment, recognizing that all rezoning conditions established at third reading have been met.
The initial rezoning application made by owners Tyler Gray and wife Lucinda, requested they be allowed to increase their two domed tents to three, add two small A-frame cottages with no cooking options, and place up to five seasonal tent/RV sites across the property, located at 1785 Tyson Road, bringing it to a total of 10 units.
In December, council approved the five structures but not the five camping sites.
The staff report presented at an April 16 council meeting, said conditions of the rezoning for the small-scale farm included removal of the existing sauna and spa structures from the property –– or relocation to the farm residential footprint area (close to the main dwelling), confirmation of zoning compliance regarding the removal or decommissioning of unauthorized long-term and short-term accommodation units, the trailer used for farm worker housing has been decommissioned and will be sold, and the cottage that was used for short-term rentals is now being used for long term rental (potentially farm worker housing).
The report noted there are other review conditions to be confirmed at the business licence application stage and staff will continue to work with the applicants.
Coun. Adam Shepherd, who voted against the rezoning, said he had some concerns because farm’s business licence application had not yet been submitted.
“So, they're not operating? I mean, we've got letters from neighbours saying that they are operating,” said Shepherd. “I'm curious whether bylaw [department] has been working with them.”
Ian Holl, the district’s development planning manager, said the applicants haven't submitted their business licence application yet, because they're waiting on completion of the rezoning.
“One of the requirements from the rezoning was that they get a survey at the business licence stage to confirm the parcel area requirement, so they're working on that. Once the rezoning is adopted, I would expect them to be able to actually submit their business licence application. We'll review that, and then that'll hopefully be approved and allow them to operate with a valid business licence.”
Coun. Alton Toth said he looked at the farm’s website that day and it appeared it had complied in reducing its short-term rentals.
“They're not referencing the sauna and the spa anymore. They don't have the other structure listed anymore. They have tightened things up, so I think they're intending to comply,” said Toth.
Meanwhile Coun. Dianne McLauchlan, who also voted against the rezoning application, said she also looked, but a few days previously.
“I was looking at the listing a couple days ago and it still had several geodesic domes and that tent as well, up for rent for short-term accommodation over the summer,” said McLauchlan. “If it has gone off [line] today, it's just been put on pause for a day because today is the day that we're deciding. But I don't think that means that they're not going to continue on."
McLauchlan recommended council have the farm owners apply for their business licence to demonstrate they are meeting all of the requirements and the rezoning should be contingent on that.
“And the reason I say this is because it appears to me that the farmers that are in the area are not pleased with the way things currently stand, and so I am not currently pleased with the way they stand, and I will not support this unless it is based on those conditions,” said McLauchlan.
Coun. Darren Inkster said he has also heard some concerns about the application, noting from one individual in particular. But he added, he believes the applicants have some good ideas.
“I've been supportive of this application all along, but I am paying attention to the concerns being expressed by some neighbours, so I'm hoping the applicant realizes that and follows the rules that we've set and understands that the neighbourhood has some insecurity with some of the changes,” said Inkster.
